Nagorno-Karabakh Escalation: Unpacking Recent Conflict

 

Violence erupts once more in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Azerbaijan began its “antiterrorist” operation in Nagorno-Karabakh after some of its troops were allegedly killed by armed separatists sympathetic to Armenia.

Karabakh is recognized internationally as part of Azerbaijan, although 120,000 ethnic Armenians live and dominate the region. To put an end to the conflict and clear the way for long-lasting peace in the region, this essay analyses the historical context, the justifications for the military operations, and the complicated elements of the situation.

The objective of Azerbaijan’s latest military campaign in Nagorno-Karabakh, which it describes as an “anti-terror” operation, is to disarm what it sees as illegal armed formations. Azerbaijan said the objective is to regain control of the region and persuade ethnic-Armenian insurgents to give up. However, the operation has heightened the region’s already high levels of tension and raised concerns about the likelihood of a full-scale conflict starting up again.

Armenia has strongly condemned

The military intervention by Azerbaijan, which it described as a ground operation, aimed to “ethnically cleanse” the area. The international community has called for an urgent halt to hostilities to reach a peaceful solution. Organisations like the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, and Russia, among others, have urged all parties to exercise restraint and participate in dialogue.